Drive axle



Oct. 22, 1935.

J. E. PADGETT ET AL DRIVE AXLE Original Filed Jan. 5, 1932 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 22, 1935. -J. E. PADGET-r ET AL 2,018,188

DRIVE AXLE Original Filed Jan. 5, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /NVENTUR5Patented Oct. 22, 1935 PATENT OFFICE DRIVE lAXLE Joseph E/./Padgett andRobert P. Lewis,

Toledo, Ohio Original application January 5, 1932, Serial No. 591,098,now Patent No. 1,968,618, dated July 31, 1934. Divided and thisapplication August 17,

1932, Serial'No. 629,170

5 claims. (c1. 1st-11) This invention relates generally to driving axlesfor motor vehicles, and more particularly to an improved constructionfor such axles.

This application is a division of our earlier application Serial No.591,098, filed January 5, 1932, now Patent No. 1,968,618, issued July3l, 1934.

An object of our invention is to provide a vehicle driving axleembodying novel means for obtaining a desired distribution orcirculation of lubricant in the gear housing of the axle..

Another object of our invention is to provide a vehicle driving axleembodying novel means for preventing the escape of lubricant from thegear housing.

A further object of this invention is to provide a vehicle driving axlehaving a gear housing constructed with a passage for returning lubricantto the differential chamber from the pinion shaft bearings, and alsohaving lubricant retaining means disposed around the pinion shaftl inspaced relation forming a leakage collecting chamber, and wherein suchcollecting chamber communicates with the return passage.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a vehicle drivingaxle, of the type referred to, wherein a removable cover forming aportion of the wall of the differential chamber is shaped to cooperatewith the differential gear in forming an eicient lubricant distributingmeans.

Other objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent from thefollowing description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingsheets of drawings, wherein,

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, with portions l broken away, showinga vehicle driving axle constructed according to ourinvention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view thereof taken substantially on the line2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view with portions broken away showinganother Vehicle driving axle constructed according to our invention.

Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view thereof taken substantially on line' 4-4of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view showing another form of bearing seat.l

Fig. 6 is a view showing another shim arrangement contemplated by ourinvention.

Figs. 7 and 8 are sectional views showing other arrangements of bearingsand bearing seats, and

Fig. 9 is an inside elevation of the cover for' the gear chamber.

For a more detailed disclosure of our invention,

the purposes of illustration and that our invention is not to beregarded as limited to the particular construction or arrangements showntherein, but may be embodied in various other designs or types ofconstruction. 5

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, our improved axle isprovided with a gear casing l0, which is formed as a metal castinghaving integral oppositely extending projections II and I2, and anintegral projection I3 extending in l0 angular relation, preferably atright angles to a plane passing through the common axis of theprojections Il and I2. 'I'he integrally formed Aprojections Il, I2 andI3 are hollow and eommunicate with the chamber I4 of the casing in l5which the gear assembly I5 is disposed.

The projections II and I2 are constructed so as to form mounts for theaxle tubes I6 and I'I, which extend outwardly from the casing l0, andthese projections may be reinforced by the pro- 20. vision of suitableribs I8. The axle tubes may be secured to the projections in anysuitable manner, such as by providing the projections with openings I9into which the axle tubes extend, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings.After being 25 assembled into the openings of the projections, the endsof the axle tubes may be held against withdrawal by appropriate means,such as by welding the tubes to the projections, or by the use ofsuitably located rivets. 30

As shown in the drawings, the projections I I and I2 are preferablyprovided with an enlargement 20, adjacent the junction thereof with thebody of the casing I0, and in accordance with our invention, each ofthese enlargements is pro- 35 vided with a pair of seats for positioningand supporting the bearings 22, in which the gear assembly I5 isrotatably mounted. In this instance, the bearings 22 are of the typeknown as roller bearings, each comprising a circumferentially ex- 40-tending series of tapered rollers 23, arranged bem cylindrically formedsurface 26 which is engaged by the outer periphery of the bearing race25. The other seat of each pair comprises a radially disposed annularlyextending shoulder 21 which -is engaged by an end face of the bearingrace 25. 55

From the arrangement just described it will be seen that the seatsprovided for each of the bearings 22, are located inwardly of the innerends of the axle tubes, and are carried directly by'the integrallyformed projections, so that the latter absorb both the radial load andthe end thrust transmitted through the bearings. In other words, thecylindrical seats 26 support and position the' bearings 22 coaxially ofthe projections II and I2, and the radially disposed seats 21 supportthe bearings against end thrust and position the same with respect tothe axis of the lprojection I 3.

The projection I3 which, as stated above, is formed, as an integral partof the casing I0', is arranged to project forwardly of the latter, andprovides a mount for the pinion shaft 30.. This projection or mount isof substantially tubular shape, having an opening at its forward end,and also having spaced seats therein for the roller bearings 33 and 34which support the pinion shaft. Each of these seats comprises acylindrical lsurface 35, which is engaged by the outer periphery of theouter bearing race 36, and a radially disposed annular extendingshoulder 31 which is engaged by an end face 33 of the outer bearingrace. In this arrangement the cylindrical seat 35 absorbs the radialload transmitted through the bearing, and positions the latter inconcentric relation to the axis of the projection I3. The radiallydisposed shoulders 31 absorb the end thrust of the bearing, and assistin positioning the latter axially of the projection I3. As in the caseof the bearings 22,

referred to above, the seats 35 and 31 are preferably formed as anintegral part of the pinionshaft mount or projection, so that the radialload and end thrust of the bearings 33 and 34 will be absorbedby theintegrally cast gear casi118.

The gear assembly I5, which we have stated is housed within the casingI0, may be of any form of construction which is suitable for thetransmission of power from the pinion 40, mounted at the inner end ofthe pinion shaft 33, to the axle shafts 4I and 42 which extend coaxiallyof the axle tubes I6 and I1. illustrated, this gear assembly or powertransmitting device is provided Iwith a frame or differential carrier 43having oppositely extending sleeve-like projections 44 which aresupported in the inner races of the bearings 22. A main' bevel gear 45is secured tothe frame 43 by any suitable means, such as the bolts 46,and meshes with the driving pinion 40. As is usual in power transmittingdevices of this kind, the frame 43 supports a train of differentialgearing comprising a pair of bevel lgears 41 and 43, which are rotatablysupported upon the pin` 43, and which mesh with a second pair of bevelgears 50 and 5I. The bevel gears of the latter pair are each formed witha sleeve portion 52, which is jour- "zo sz As herein This drivingconnection may be a spline.

suitable size and shape for the purpose intended and is closed by acover 54, which may be formed as a sheet metal stamping and may beremovably held in place by the bolts 55. As will be explainedhereinafter, this cover is so shaped that it assists in efficientlydistributing the lubricant of the gear chamber to the desired points.

In assembling our axle, the pinion shaft 30 with the bearing 34assembled thereon, is iirst 1( inserted through the opening of thecasing and positioned coaxially within the projection I3. A spacingsleeve 56 and the bearing 33 are next mounted upon the pinion shaft bybeing inserted into the projection from the forward end 1g thereof.Positioning of the pinion 40 relative to the common axis of the axleshafts for most efficient cooperation with the main gear 45, as well asadjustment of the bearings 33 and 34, are obtained by providing a shim56 of suit- 2( able form and appropriate thickness, between the outerrace of the bearing 34 and the seat 31, and another such shim 51 betweenthe inner race of the bearing 33 and the forward end of the spacingsleeve 56. Although we prefer the shim 2g arrangement just described, itmay be desirable in some instances to locate the shim 56 between pinion40 and the inner race of the bearing 34, instead of between the outerrace of this bearing and the shoulder 31 as shown in Fig. 2 of the 3(drawings.

A power transmitting coupling may be provided for our driving axle,adjacent the forward end of the projection I3, by mounting the shaftmember 58 on the forward endof the pinion 3g shaft. The shaft member isprovided with a ange 58' for connection with a universal joint (notshown), and a sleeve portion 59 extending inwardly towardk the bearing33. A retaining nut 59' is threaded upon the forward end of 4( thepinion shaft, as shown in Fig. 2. When tightened against the shoulder ofthe shaft member 53, this nut causes the parts of the pinion shaftassembly to'be drawn together between the shaft member 58 and the pinion40 with the inner race of` the bearing 33 abutting against the shim 51.The action of the nut, coupled with the fact that thel outer race of thebearing 33 abuts against the seat 31, causes the'outer race of bearing34 to abut against the shim 56' with M the result that the pinion iscorrectly positioned axially of the projection I3. From the assembly andarrangement just described, it will be seen that the shims 56' and 51afford simple and convenient means for initially positioning orsubsequently adjusting the pinion 40 and the bearings 33 and 34.

After the pinion shaft has been assembled in the projection I3, as justdescribed, the gear assembly I5, with the bearings 22 mounted upon thesleeve portions 44 thereof, is inserted through the rear opening of thecasing I 0, bringing the main` gear 45 into mesh with the pinion 40 andthe outer races of the bearings 22 into engagement with the seats 26 and21. For removably M mounting the gear assembly in this position, weprovide the bearing caps 60, which are secured to the casing by means ofthe bolts 6I. These bearing caps are so shaped that they cooperate withthe seats 26 and 21 in supporting and po- .u

is had between the main gear 45.. and the pinion u 40, we provide noveland emcientcentering means which constitutes an important feature of ourinvention. This positioning means for the gear assembly I5, consists inproviding the frame 43, of the latter, with shoulder portions 63 at theinner ends of the sleeve portions 44. These shoulder portions aredesigned to cooperate'with the inner ends of the inner bearing races24to thereby Aposition the gear assembly with respect to the axis of theprojection I3. Usually the shoulders 63do not directly engage the endsof the bearing races 24, but engage a shim 64, of suitable form andappropriate thickness, which is interposed therebetween. If desired,however, the shoulders 63 may directly engage the bearing races 24, inwhich case suitable shims 65, equivalent to the shims 64, are interposedbetween the outer races 25 and the seats 21, Las shown in Fig. 6. Sincethe bearings 22 are, themselves positioned by means of the radiallydisposed seats 21, it will be seen that the cooperation providedbetween-the bearings and the shoulder portions 63, affords a simple andeiiicient means for correctly positioning the gear assembly.' Moreover,

, it will be seen that very accurate initial positioning or adjustmentof the gear assembly, and of chamber adheres to the main gear of ythedif--vv ferential carrier and is to some extent distributed thereby. Toimprove the lubricant distributing action of the main gear 45 we haveconstructed thel cover 54 of such shape that it increases the capacityof the main gear for picking up lubricant, and also serves to direct theow of the lubricant so that an adequate supply is delivered to thebearings 22 and to the interior of the carrier 43. As shown in Figs. 2,3 andA 9, this cover is substantially in the form of a shallow panhaving a marginal fiange through which the bolts 55 extend, anda/relatively deep arcuate recess or channel 54 in the bottom wall of thepan into which the toothed portion of the gear 45 extends. The recess 54is so shaped that its bottom wall is substantially concentric with thegear 45 but is of slightly larger radius to afford clearance. Thesidewalls 45 and 55 of the recess slope in divergent relation, as shownin Fig. 2, for the purpose of .directing the lubricant to the bearings22 and to the cooperating gears disposed in the carrier 43. It will benoted that the bearing 22, which is associated with the projection I I,is more remote from the gear than is the bearing associated with theprojection I2, and that the sloping side ,wall 55 is madecorrespondingly longer so that the desired lubricant distribution willbe obtained.

During the operation of our vehicle axle, some of the lubricant of thegear chamber is picked up by the gear 45 and is splashed or thrown intothe recess 54. I have found that as this lubricant flows away from therotating gear, it is actually directed against the bearings 22 and thecarrier 43 by the sloping walls 45 and 55.

To insure adequate lubrication of the bearings in the projection I3, andto obtain an actual circulation of lubricant therethrough, we providemeans whereby lubricant will be delivered into the projection by thegear 45, and will be readily returned therefrom to the gear chamber. Weattain this circulation by providing the gear casing with a lubricantpassage 66 leading into the projection I3, andwith a return passage 66'for carrying the lubricant from the projection back to the gear chamber.The inlet passage 66 communicates withthe lubricant chamber or reservoir61 in the projection I3, from which reservoir lubricant is supplieddirectly to the bearings 33 and 34. An elevated lip or dam 68,preferably formed integral with the gear casing, assists in collectinglubricant and causing the same tov flow into the reservoir 61.

The return passage ,is located below the center line of the pinion shaft30,'preferably along the bottom of the projection so that gravity will"assist in returning the lubricant to the gear v scribed, we provideadequate lubrication for the pinion shaftbearings, since a continuousflow" of lubricant will be maintained through the projection I3 duringthe operation ,of the vehicle.

As another important feature of our invention, we have provided novelsealing means for preventing the escape of lubricant, or the entry offoreign material, around the pinion shaft 3D at the forward end of theprojection I3. 'Ihis sealing means consistsof a plurality of annularmembers which surround the pinion shaft, and which are so constructedand arranged-as to eectively prevent the escape of ,lubricant or theentry of foreign material. These members are preferably constructed assheet metal 4stampings and in- 'clude an intermediate member 10, andinner and outer members 1I and 12 disposed on opposite sides of theintermediate member. The inner and outer members are rotatable with theshaft member 56, the outer member preferably having an axially extendingsleeve portion 13 pressed onto the sleeve portion 59 of the shaftmember, and the inner member preferably having a flange portion 14gripped between the inner end of the sleeve portion 59 and the innerrace of the bearing 33. The intermediate member is formed with aradially extending flange 15 which may be secured to the forward end ofthe projection I3, as by means of suitable screws 15', and a cupshapedportion 16, which telescopes into the opening of the projection I3. 'Ihebottom of this cup-shaped portion provides a radially disposed closurewall16, extending between the inner surface of the opening of theprojection and the outer surface of the sleeve portion of the rotatableshaft member 58. As shown in Fig. 2, the closure wall 16 is providedwith an integral sleeve port on 11, which surrounds the rotatable shaftmem er 56 and which extends axially inwardly toward the pinion 40. Atits inner end the sleeve portion 11 terminates in a radially disposedannular ange 11 which cooperates with the rotatable inner member 1I ina' manner presently to b described.

The member 1I which, as stated above, is disber. assembled in place inthe forward end of the posed inwardly of the member 10 and is rotatablewith the shaftmember 58, is in the form of a disc of substantially thesame diameter as the opening of the projection I3, so that theperipheral edge 18 of the disc forms al relatively close seal with theinner surface of the opening. This rotatable sealing disc is alsoprovided with an integral sleeve portion 18 extending axially outwardlyaway from the bearing 33 and surrounding the radially disposed flange11' of the stationary sealing member 10. The diameter of the sleeveportion 18 is preferably such that very small clearance is providedbetween the same and the flange 11' of the stationary sealing mem- Whenthe sealing member 10 and 1| are projection |3, as shown in Fig. 2 ofthe drawings, an intermediate collecting chamber 18 is formedtherebetween.

From the construction and' arrangement of the members 10l and 1| as justdescribed, it will be seen that for any lubricant to escape )from theforward end of the projection I3, such lubricant must pass between theperipheral edge 18 and the wall of the projection into the chamber 19.From this chamber vthe escapinglubricant must reverse its direction oftravel and pass between the peripheral edge of the radially disposedflange 11 and the inner surface of the sleeve portion 18', and thenagain reverse its direction of travel and pass between the sleeveportion 11 and the shaft member 58. It will be noted that since thesealing member 1| is rotatable, the lubricant attempting to pass betweenthe sleeve portion 18 and the flange 16, will meet with considerableresistance because the tendency will be for centrifugal force to throwthis lubricant outwardly toward the inner surface of the projection |3,and to some extent into the return passage 66.

To assist the sealing means in preventing the escape of the lubricant,We have arranged the return passage 86', referred tol above, so that theinlet end thereof also communicates with the chamber 19, through thepassage 80, as shown in Fig. 1. During the operation of our axle, suchlubricant as may pass around the peripheral edge 18, will be collectedin the chamber 19 and will bey ,delivered into the return passage 66through the opening 80, and conveyed back to the gear chamber. Thus itwill be noted that the communicating passage functions as a means fordraining the chamber 19, and, in addition, prevents lubricant pressurefrom building up in this chamber, which might otherwise result in someof the lubricant being forced outwardly between the sleeve portion 11and the shaft member 58.

As explained` above, the intermediate member 10 is provided with aradially extending flange 15 which is secured to the forward end of theprojection I3, and in this connection it should be noted that thisflange protrudes outwardly beyond the outer surface of the projectionI3. 'Ihis protrudingA portion of the flange 15 cooperates'with therotatable outer member 12 to exclude water and other foreign materialfrom entering the projection through'the pinion shaft opening. The outermember, as-Stated above, is rotatable with the shaft member 58 and, asshown in Figs. 1 and 2, is substantially in the form of a cup having itsbottom wall extending radially outwardly from the shaft member 58 andterminating in the annular angularly disposed flange or l skirt portion8| which telescopes around the forward end of the projection I3 and alsoaround arrangement just described it will be seen that any water orother foreign material which may creep forwardly along the outer surfaceof the projection I3, will be deflected outwardly by the annularprotruding portion of the flange 15. As this foreign material drips fromthe protruding flange portion it will be caught by the rotatingtelescoping skirt portion 8| and thrown outwardly from the latter bycentrifugal force. In telescoping around the forward end of the pro- 10jection I3, the outer member 12 also acts as a shield and deflectorwhich prevents foreign material from being splashed or otherwisedirected into the pinion shaft opening.

In Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings, we have 15 shown another vehicledriving axle embodying our invention, but which differs in some respectsfrom the driving axle just described. In this latter form of our axle,the bearings |00 which support the gear assembly |0|, and the bearings20 |02 and 03 which support the pinion shaft |04, are of the annularball type. 'I'he axle shown iny Figs. 3 and 4 also differs from the oneshown in Figs. 1 and 2, in that the bearings |02 and I 03 are arrangedon opposite sides of the driving pin- 25 ion |05, to form what is knownin the art as a straddle mount for the pinion shaft. As in ,thearrangement previously described, We provide a gear casing |06 havingintegrally formed aligned extensions |01 and 08, in which the shafttubes 80 |08 and ||0 are mounted. Likewise, we provide a forwardlyextending pinion shaft mount ||I, which is formed as an integral part ofthe gear casing. The integrally formed projections |01, |08 and arehollow, as shown in Fig. 4, and 35 communicate with the interior of thegear chamber formed in the casing |06.

In accordance with our invention, seats are provided on the projections|01, |08 and for positioning the bearings |00, |02 and |03, and for 40absorbing the loads transmitted therethrough.

^ The seats for the bearings |00 consist of a part of As shown in Fig.4, the inner end of the shaft tube |08 terminates short of the inner endof the 55 opening provided in the projection 01, so that the inner endof this shaft tube may constitute an abutment or shoulder |20, which isengaged by the outer race I 2| of the bearing |00 for absorbing the endthrust transmitted through this 60 'bearing 'Ihe use of the inner end ofthe shaft tube, as a seat for the bearing 02, is feasible only when thisbearing is of such size that its outside diameter is the same as theoutside diameter of the shaft tube, as shown in Fig. 4, and, if de- 65sired, the same type of seats may be provided I for the bearings |00, asare provided for the bearings 22 of Fig. 2 by simply forming theextension |01 and |08 with enlargements |2I' and |22', as indicated inFigs. 8 and 7. 70

As stated above, the pinion shaft |04 is supported by a straddle mount,and in order to insert the gear assembly |0| into the gear chamber andto bring the main gear |22 into mesh with mount for theI bearing |03, wehave arranged the shaft tube ||0 so that the inner end |23 thereofterminates considerably short of the inner end of the opening of theprojection |08, as shown in Fig. 4. In other words, the shaft tube ||0does not extend into the projection |08 far enough to engage the bearing|00, when the gear assembly is properly positioned with respect to theaxis of the pinion shaft. -The space thus provided between the extremeinner end of the opening of the projection |08 and the inner end of theshaft tube |00, affords a clearance which permits the gear assembly tobe inserted into or removed from the chamber in such a manner that themain gear- |22 clears the bearing |03.

In introducing the gear assembly into the gear chamber and bringing themain gear into mesh with the pinion, one of the bearings |00 is broughtinto engagement with the inner end of the shaft tube 00 and intoengagement with the seat provided by the inner surface of the projection|01. This assembly operation likewise brings the other bearing |00 intoengagement with the seat provided at the inner end of the projection|08, and in spaced relation to the inner end of the shaft tube as showninL which caps are removably mounted adjacent the inner ends of theprojections |01 and |08. 'I'he bearing cap |26 alsoengages the spacerring |24 and serves to retain this member in place between the shafttube ||0 and the bearing |00.

When the projection |08 is formed with an enlargement at the inner endthereof, as shown inl Fig. 7, the spacing ring |24 is interposed betweenthe outer bearing race |28' and the seat or shoulder |26'.

As in .the driving axle arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the frame ofthe gear assembly |0| is provided with shoulder portions |21 whichcooperate with the inner races |28 of the bearings |00, to therebycorrectly position the gear assembly within the gearchamber. Asexplained above, suitable shims |29 of appropriate thickness may .beused in conjunction with these shoulders for the purrmse of making anaccurate initial assembly, or for making adjustments for wear. Ifdesired, the shoulders |21 may directlir engage the inner races of thebearings |00, and spacing shims may be applied to the outerbearingraces, as shown in Fig. 6.

As indicated in Fig. 4, the bearing |02 is held in place by the seat ||5and by having its outer race held against the seat I I6 bythe flange||1. Correct positioning or adjustment of the pinion |05, in the axialdirection of the mount is obtained by the provision of a suitable shim|30 of appropriate thickness between the inner race |3| of the bearing|02 and the shoulder |32 of the pinion. A nut |33, on the forward end ofthe Ipinion-shaft, clamps the shim |30 between the bearing race |3| andthe shoulder |32, and also serves as a retaining means for the shaftmember |34.

Dining the operation of the driving axle illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4,some of the lubricant contained within the gear chamber, adheres to themain gear |22 and is delivered by the latter to the pinion |105 and tothe pinion shaft bearings |02 and |03. through the pinion shaft bearing|02 is obtained by providing the inlet passage |35, and a return passage|36 which conveys the lubricant from the forward end of the pinion shaftmount back to the gear chamber. The removable cover |31 10 which, as toconstruction and arrangement is substantially identical with theucover54, assists in the delivery of lubricant to the bearings |00 and intothe gear assembly |0I. The escape of lubricant around the pinion shaftat the forward 15 end of the projection is prevented by the use of thesealing means |38 which is substantially identical with that describedin detail in connection with Figs. 1 and 2.

It will now be readily understood, from the 20' foregoing descriptionand the accompanying drawings, that we have provided an improved drivingaxle construction embodying novel means for effectively distributinglubricant to thevarious parts of the device. It will also be seen that25 the novel form of packing means, which we have provided forpreventing escape of lubricant around the pinion shaft, conserves thesupply of lubricant in the gear casing andprevents undesirable drippingof lubricant from this part of 30 the vehicle. Additionally, it will beseen that the outer telescoping member of the lubricant retaining meansperforms the important function of deflecting water and other foreignmaterial away from the,pinion shaft opening. Adequate 35 lubrication ofall of the various parts is obtained; by reason of the eicient lubricantdistributingI action produced by the novel cover structure and by thereturn passage. It will also be seen that a further advantage isattained in our novel con- 40 struction, in that the lubricant returnpassage communicates with the collecting chamber, formed between thepacking members of the lubricant retaining means,v and thereby rendersthe retaining means more eicient in its action. 45

While we have illustrated and described the apparatus of our inventionin a detailed manner, it should be understood, however, that we do notintend to limit ourselves to the precise details of construction andarrangements of parts illustrated and described, but regard ourinvention as including such changes and modifications as do not involvea departure from the spirit of 'the invention and the scope of theappended claims. 55

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

-1. In a driving axle thecombination of a housing having a gear chambertherein, a differential in said housing, bearings in said housingl forrotatably supporting said differential, said hous- 50 ing having anopening in the wall thereof to admit said differential, lubricant insaid chamber, and a cover closing said opening, said cover havingintegral angularly disposed portions against which a quantity of saidlubricant is delivered g5 by the rotation of said differential, saidangularly disposed portions being arranged to deflect said quantity oflubricant and direct the same to said bearings and diiferential.

2. In a driving axle the combination of a housing having a gear chambertherein, a. differential in said housing, bearings in f said housing forrotatably supporting saidv differential, said housing having an openingin the wall thereof to admit said differential, lubricant in saidchamber.

A: circulation of the lubricant 5 and a cover closing said opening, saidcover having an arcuate recess formed therein to operably receive aportion of said differential, the'iside walls of said recess beingdivergently inclined for direct-ing to said bearings and to the gearportions ofthe diierential lubricant which is thrown or carried intosaid recess by said differential portion.

3. In combination, a gear housing having bearings therein, a gear unitrotatable in said bearings and having an outwardly extending gearelement, lubricant in said housing adapted to be picked up by said gearelement, and means providing said housing with a recess into which aportion of said gear element extends, said recess having its side wallsdisposed to direct said lubricant toward said bearings.

4. In combination, a gear housing having a pair of laterally spacedbearings therein, a gearAunit rotatably mounted in said bearings andhaving a gear element extending outwardly therefrom at a pointintermediate said bearings, lubricant in said housing adapted to bepicked up by said gear element, and means on said housing providing arecess into which a portion of said gear element extends, said recesshaving its opposite side walls divergently disposed to direct saidlubricant toward said bearings.

5. In combination, an axle housing having bearings therein, adiierential assembly rotatably supported in said bearings and having anoutwardly extending gear element, lubricant in said housing, and a coveron said housing having a recess in which a portion of said gear elementrotates, portions of said cover forming the sides 15 of said recessbeing disposed to direct lubricant, which is picked up by said gearelements, toward said bearings.

' JOSEPH E. PADGETT.

ROBERT P. LEWIS.

